The UK triggered Article 50 of the Treaty of the European Union on 29 March 2017.
As set out under that treaty, the UK has two years to negotiate a Withdrawal Agreement and framework for a future relationship with the EU before the point of the UK’s exit from the EU at 11pm GMT on 31 October 2019.
A no deal scenario is one where the UK leaves the EU and becomes a third country at 11pm GMT on 31 October 2019 without a Withdrawal Agreement and framework for a future relationship in place between the UK and the EU.
In a no deal scenario there would therefore be no agreement to apply any of the elements of the Withdrawal Agreement described above.
The UK is therefore preparing for a scenario where there is no UK-EU agreement in place on exit day.
Process in negotiation
This is what the government has to say about the withdrawal process.
“It is right that the Government should prepare for every eventuality – but to do so in the knowledge that a constructive and optimistic approach to the negotiations to come is in the best interests of Europe and the best interests of Britain.
We have now agreed the terms of our exit from the European Union, as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement. This was agreed by the EU Member States at the special European Council on Sunday 25 November. We also agreed the terms of our future relationship, as outlined in the political declaration.
The deal we have agreed will allow the UK to leave the EU in a smooth and orderly way on 31 October 2019 and sets the framework for a future relationship that delivers in our national interest. It takes back control of our borders, laws and money, it protects jobs, security and the integrity of the United Kingdom, and it delivers in ways that many said could simply not be done.
The deal must now be voted upon in Parliament. In keeping with the clear intention of section 13 of the EU (Withdrawal) Act, the Government will ensure the matter is brought back to the Commons before 21 January. If Parliament approves the Withdrawal Agreement and framework for the UK’s future relationship with the EU, the Government will bring forward the EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill to give the Withdrawal Agreement domestic legal effect.
The procedures for approval and implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and framework for our future relationship are set out in the white paper on legislating for the Withdrawal Agreement. In parallel a ratification process will need to take place in the EU.”
They concluded by saying: “Our communication with businesses and the wider public about a no deal scenario will increase as we approach our exit from the EU.
As a responsible government we have spent more than two years carrying out extensive preparations for all scenarios, including no deal.
We recommend businesses now also ensure they are prepared and enact their own no deal plans.
In the coming weeks, we will also publish further advice on the steps that people, including UK nationals living in the EU and EU citizens living here in the UK may need to take to prepare for our exit.”
How will a no deal Brexit affect me?
A no deal Brexit could lead to a number of things happening. For example:
- Border checks could be re-introduced
- Transport and trade between the UK and the EU could be severely affected
- Adults may not be able to drive in EU countries without a special driving permit
- It could cost more money to use your phone abroad in EU countries
- It would mean no transition period, which is part of the deal that Prime Minister Theresa May was proposing
Brexit doesn’t benefit small businesses, it may cause a number of problems.
